Our price is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price." As a result, we cannot show you the price in catalog or the product page.

You have no obligation to purchase the product once you know the price. You can simply remove the item from your cart.

Our price is lower than the manufacturer's "minimum advertised price." As a result, we cannot show you the price in catalog or the product page.

You have no obligation to purchase the product once you know the price. You can simply remove the item from your cart.

Top 10 Products for the Aircraft Owner

Oct 15, 2018

Owning an airplane is incredibly rewarding: you can choose interior and avionics options to suit your unique mission, manage maintenance the way you prefer, and always know it will be available when you want to fly. Aircraft ownership also brings some responsibilities, including maintenance and paperwork. Fortunately, with the right equipment you can focus more on fun and less on work. Here's our list of 10 must-have products for aircraft owners.

1. Carbon Monoxide Detector. Most piston airplanes rely on exhaust gas for cabin heat, which is both effective and potentially dangerous. Even a tiny exhaust system leak can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, a deadly situation. That's why it's smart to invest in a high quality CO monitor to prevent this situation, and use it on every flight (at least when it's cold). This model is the best we've ever seen, with flashing lights, vibrating alerts, and a loud tone to alert you of dangerous conditions. SHOP NOW>>

2. Tie-down Kit. Even if you have a nice hangar arrangement at your home airport, travelling will usually require some way to secure your airplane on the road. That means a tie-down kit. We've tested dozens over the years and are proud to offer only those that meet our standards for quality construction and ease of use. SHOP NOW>>

3. Rechargeable AirGun. This handy tool is perfect for keeping your aircraft tires (or tug tires) topped off. Just squeeze the trigger to start the air flowing and it automatically shuts off when the desired tire pressure is reached. Small enough to carry in your airplane wherever you go. SHOP NOW>>

4. AeroLadder. If you own a high wing airplane, checking the fuel caps is a critical pre-flight task but it's easy to skip. A compact, durable folding step ladder is a great way to ensure you check the security of your fuel caps every time. This model fits in the baggage compartment of most airplanes, weighs less than 5 lbs. but is rated to support 300 lbs. SHOP NOW>>

5. Boost Oxygen. If you regularly fly above 10,000 feet, you should invest in a quality oxygen system (we like the SkyOx line). But if you only occasionally fly high, we think it's a good idea to stash a few Boost Oxygen bottles in your flight bag or side pocket - just in case. They are not a replacement for full-time oxygen, but the 10 liter cans weigh almost nothing and offer approximately 120 breaths, which is just enough to help on a night flight at 8,000 feet. SHOP NOW>>

6. Robotow Electric Towbar. Perfect for airplanes without wheel pants, the Robotow makes it easy to push your airplane back into the hangar - even if there's a slope or a lip to get over. It makes parking your airplane a one person job. SHOP NOW>>

7. Aircraft Logbooks. Keeping track of maintenance is important for safety and compliance, but it's also a great way to ensure your aircraft maintains its value. When it's time to sell it, well-documented maintenance adds significant value compared to an airplane with missing logs. These well-made books are the industry standard. SHOP NOW>>

8. iEvac Smoke Hood. An in-flight fire is a pilot's worst nightmare, but these proven smoke hoods can buy you precious minutes. They filter a variety of dangerous chemicals from the air and also protect your eyes from smoke. Keep one of these under the pilot seat or within reach. SHOP NOW>>

10. Aviation-specific First Aid Kits. Far better than cheap drugstore kits, these contain the specific supplies required to treat the types of injuries sustained in an aviation accident. Keep one on board your airplane at all times so you're prepared for the worst. SHOP NOW>>

John Zimmerman

Post Comments

Rick

posted on 10/20/2018 11:02 AM

I recommend the use of a power winch for easily and safely pulling the aircraft back into the hangar. It works well on most all aircraft, even those with wheel pants. Next I recommend a quality battery minder, especially if you are not flying that much during the winter. Lastly, get a couple boxes of large Kimwipes. My office uses these in the optical lab to clean lenses, even those with delicate anti-reflection coatings. I've used them for many years and they work great keeping those hairline scratches from forming. (Use some compressed air first, to blow off the windscreen, so you're not grinding the dust in while cleaning).

Categories

Tags

Why wait for the next Sporty's Pilot Shop catalog to hit your mailbox? If you sign up for our Email Specials, you’ll receive new product announcements right away. You’ll also get access to special offers and catalog previews.

THANK YOU FOR SUBSCRIBING

Be sure to check your email for special deals and news from Sporty's.

About our email list

We do not share or sell our email list to anyone, so you do not have to worry about more “spam.”